The allegations have been made by a player from the Italian women’s team and target Prabath Ekneligoda, the women’s cricket coordinator. He has been suspended by the Italian governing body, the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI). According to a statement from the FCRI, the case is currently under investigation by the federal prosecutor.
“The Federation confirms that the President of the Federation, acting within her institutional responsibilities and with the full protection of the athletes and other parties involved in mind, has ordered the immediate precautionary suspension of the individual concerned from all federal duties and activities in 2025,” the board statement as quoted by ESPNcricinfo said.
“This measure was adopted pending a thorough and final assessment of the circumstances. The decision was taken as a prudent and responsible step, aimed at preventing unnecessary speculation, preserving the integrity of the sporting environment and ensuring that any fact-finding takes place in the appropriate forums, with full respect for personal dignity, due process and the presumption of innocence,” it added.
According to BBC Sport, Ekneligoda’s lawyer has denied the allegations and claimed there were ulterior motives behind them. While the ban remains in place, FCRI media manager Rakbir Hasan confirmed that Ekneligoda was present at the T20 World Cup.
“He traveled as the president’s companion [Maria Lorena Haz Paz] and has no official duties or ties with the World Cup delegation,” Hasan told ESPNcricinfo.
“The country is fully prepared to cooperate with the relevant authorities. It reserves the right to take further action in light of ongoing investigations. It is further noted that a procedure is currently underway before the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, which is responsible for carrying out the assessments and investigations provided for in the sports regulations,” the statement said.
The accusations come amid ongoing unrest within the board. Haz Paz has been removed from his position following the end of the Italian campaign, while CEO Luca Bruno Malaspina confirmed that six board members have also resigned. Their departure led to the dissolution of the Federal Council of the Federazione Cricket Italiana. However, Hasan clarified that these exits are not related to the allegations currently under investigation.
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